Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Growing up is hard
Today's film is about that cinematic cliché, the lovable bad boy.
But it is not a comedy. It is a serious study of growing up in a tough world with some tough rules which are simply beyond reach.
This French film is beautifully realized. There is no plot. There are no "characters" as such. It is a series of events which, in one way, are the inevitable outcome of growing up on the wrong side of things.
Jimmy has a good heart and wants to do the right thing. It eludes him.
The film lets us think, for awhile, that the child is a baby Jimmy's girl friend has just had. Is it his? If not then what does that mean for him. If so, then, the same question.
He has grown up in a world without consequences or, at least, without consequences that he cares about.
He is a likeable brat.
Jeremie Renier carries the film. He is on all the time. He is in constant closeups. He is brash, he is certain, he has a swagger. But then he does not.
This is well worth seeing again. I will give it a 4 out of Netflix5.
Labels: films
